How Tenants Can Handle Unsafe Living Conditions in New Brunswick

Moving into a new home should feel safe and secure, but sometimes tenants in New Brunswick encounter unsafe living conditions, like mold, electrical hazards, or pest infestations. Understanding your legal rights and the correct steps to take can help you solve these issues quickly and confidently.

What Are Unsafe Living Conditions?

Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions are situations that put your health, safety, or security at risk. In New Brunswick, landlords are legally required to keep rental units in good repair and ensure they meet health, building, and safety standards under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick¹. Unsafe conditions may include:

• Mold, mildew, or water leaks
• Faulty or exposed wiring
• Broken heating, plumbing, or appliances
• Pest infestations (such as bedbugs or rodents)
• Lack of hot water or heat during winter
• Broken locks or windows

If you face any of these problems, it’s important to know what to do next to protect your health and rights.

Initial Steps When You Discover a Problem

Once you spot a problem affecting your safety or well-being, act promptly:

• Document the issue: Take clear photos or videos and write down the date you discovered the problem.
• Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter). Clearly describe the issue and request timely repairs.
• Keep copies of all communications.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords share responsibilities for a safe home. For common maintenance issues and to be clear about which party is responsible, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Action Steps: Requesting Repairs and Resolving Issues

If your landlord does not respond, or the problem is not fixed quickly, you have several options for further action.

1. Submit a "Request for Repairs"

Form name: Request for Repairs Form (No official number assigned)
When to use: If your landlord does not address your repair request after your first written notice.
How to use: Fill out the form with details about the dangerous condition and send a copy to your landlord. Keep one for your records.
Download the official Request for Repairs Form (Government of New Brunswick)

2. File a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

The tribunal in charge of residential disputes in New Brunswick is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. If repairs remain unaddressed or you believe you are living in unsafe conditions, you can file a formal application with the tribunal.

• Form name: Application for Assistance (Form 6.1)
• When to use: When your landlord fails to fix unsafe or unhealthy conditions after notification.
• How to use: Complete the form, describe your issue, attach your repair request and supporting proof, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal online or by mail.
• Download Application for Assistance (Form 6.1) from the Government of New Brunswick

Once you submit your application, the Tribunal may investigate and order your landlord to make necessary repairs.

What If the Condition Is an Emergency?

For urgent scenarios (like no heat in winter, flooding, or exposed wiring), mention explicitly that the situation is an emergency on your repair request and when contacting the Tribunal. Emergency cases are typically prioritized.

Keep records of all reports, letters, and forms. They can be essential if your case needs to go before the Tribunal or if you seek reimbursement for repairs or alternative accommodation.

Frequently Overlooked Health and Safety Issues

Not all dangers are immediately visible. For a list of common risks and how to spot them, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If you find a pest problem, advice is available at Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

What If Repairs Are Not Made?

If your home remains unsafe despite your best efforts and Tribunal involvement, you might be eligible to:

• Seek a rent reduction (with Tribunal approval)
• Apply to end your tenancy early without penalty (if conditions are severe)
• Be reimbursed for necessary repairs made yourself (with Tribunal approval)

Know Your Rights as a Tenant in New Brunswick

It's vital to know the province-specific rules. For a detailed overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. If you are considering moving, Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Looking for a better place to rent? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of safe and affordable choices.

FAQ: Dealing With Unsafe Rentals in New Brunswick

1. What counts as unsafe living conditions in New Brunswick?
   Situations that put your health or safety at risk, like mold, rodents, broken heating in winter, or dangerous wiring, are all considered unsafe living conditions.
2. Who do I contact if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   If your landlord does not respond after your written request, you should file an Application for Assistance with the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. Can my landlord evict me for complaining about unsafe conditions?
   No, it is illegal for a landlord to evict or threaten to evict you for asserting your rights or reporting unsafe living conditions.
4. What if repairs still aren’t made after contacting the tribunal?
   If serious problems persist, the Tribunal may allow you to request early lease termination, a rent reduction, or permission to arrange repairs and deduct costs.

Conclusion: Staying Safe and Informed

• Tenants in New Brunswick are protected by law against unsafe living conditions.
• Act quickly by documenting the issue, requesting repairs in writing, and contacting the Tribunal if needed.
• Know key forms and resources to use if you need help resolving dangerous conditions.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Official Portal (complaints, forms, tenant rights info)
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB) – Free legal information
• For urgent issues affecting your safety, contact Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick

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